Higher Trade Value: Monroe vs. Leonard

[Trader_Joe]

I've seen some threads where Detroit fans like Leonard, but most would want more value back for Monroe (while admitting SAS would probably not trade KL).

Both are on rookie deals.
Monroe has 1 year left
Kawhi has 2 years left

Who do you think has the higher trade value and why?

[nyc6]

This is Leonard and it's not even close

He had a legit case for co-finals mvp with td

You can call it an advantage all you want that he played extra postseason games and monroe hasn't. But pistons have been tanking the last 3 years so monroe has 0 meaningful games under his belt while leonard has plenty. The postseason experience will really help Leonard down the line and makes him a far more valuable commodity on the open market

[Scoot McGroot]

That extra year of a rookie deal, and the ability to play SF, and some SG, and possibly even some PF in the right lineups tilts it a bit in Kawhi's favor. Of course, just in my opinion.

[LloydFree]

I'd prefer to have Monroe, due to scarcity of Big Men.

[bondom34]

Leonard, but pretty close for me. The extra rookie contract year pushed him over. Plus you know he can play in the postseason, and at multiple positions. With Monroe, his team hasn't been good and he's not quite as versatile.

[Trader_Joe]

I'd prefer to have Monroe, due to scarcity of Big Men.

Center is actually very very deep these days (and I'm not convinced Monroe can play PF on offense or defense)

Howard
M.Gasol
Hibbert
Noah
Lopez
Drummond
Monroe
Asik
Pekovic
Chandler
Jonas V.
Noel
Varejao
Bynum
Sanders
Horford
Jefferson
Bosh
Vucevic
Nene
Okafor
TD
Kanter
Bogut
Gortat
Cousins

All quality, or will be quality centers.
I'm not sure where Monroe ranks, but I don't think he's top 10, while KL may already be top 5 at his position SF.. where LBJ, Durant, Melo, George are dominating the game right now.

[ImHeisenberg]

That extra year of a rookie deal, and the ability to play SF, and some SG, and possibly even some PF in the right lineups tilts it a bit in Kawhi's favor. Of course, just in my opinion.

This is a good point.

I've looked through that thread, and haven't posted at all, because I think the entire debate is truly ridiculous.

First of all, the Spurs aren't trading Leonard. Secondly, the Pistons haven't breathed a word of trading Monroe either, it's simply fan speculation.

Also, the two are incomparable on many levels. They play completely different positions and have totally different roles.

Monroe was the #1 option on a team that was lacking talent. The second most talented player played the same position as Monroe. For Leonard, he's playing on a team with three hall of fame players, and was the third or fourth option on most nights. He wasn't burdened to carry the offense for 82 games.

Both are fantastic young players in their own right. It's moronic posturing to try and decipher which one will have the better individual career. It's an uncontrolled experiment that will never be conclusive.

[LightTheBeam]

Leonard and it really isn't even a debate. Honestly in today's NBA, Small forwards that play both sides of the floor at an above average rate are the most important position players on the floor. Leonard is a budding superstar who is a top 5 sf in the league and soon to be top 10-15 player in the league.

I believe it would take Det trading Drummond to acquire Leonard. Even then i'd be surprised if the Spurs took that deal.

[pacers33granger]

The extra year and the fact that Leonard defends is enough to give him more current value. He also plays on offense too, unlike someone like Thabo. I don't think either have actual star potential though, most likely 3rd best on a title team, which is still a very good player.

[LarsV8]

I'll take Monroe.

I am guessing Leonard is one of those guys who pop uses to perfection and he wouldn't be nearly as good as away from the Spurs.

Kinda like how Green was almost finals MVP.

[Troubadour]

Kawhi Leonard is much more valuable for a few reasons.

1) Defense. Leonard is the superior defender and it's not even close.
2) Scarcity of skill set. Players who can defend, shoot, and score efficiently are hard to come by in the NBA. Leonard can also rebound at an elite level.
3) Style of play. Monroe needs the ball to score and cannot create for others. Leonard plays off the ball, scores off of cuts, and can still score off the dribble.

[DusterBuster]

I'd prefer to have Monroe, due to scarcity of Big Men.

As Trader said, this is becoming more and more a thing of the past. If you view him as a PF, that list gets even longer.

In all honesty, the new position that's really hard to fill in the NBA is SG.

[enuggz]

I voted Monroe I really like his game even though he's about to get paid well sooner. I do think Kawhi wins MIP this season though I just think I'd rather have Monroe on my team.

[Strange Clouds]

I'd take Monroe, like others said, I don't think he'd even be as well known or appreciated if he was on a team like the 76ers. He'd be another Thadeous Young. He's a system above average role player in my opinion.

[gswhoops]

Too apples and oranges to draw a fair comparison. They play different positions, have different roles on their respective teams and were drafted into totally different situations.

[Baddy Chuck]

Not a fan of Monroe's game so my opinion may be biased even though I'm a neutral fan.

[DeBlazerRiddem]

The extra year and the fact that Leonard defends is enough to give him more current value. He also plays on offense too, unlike someone like Thabo. I don't think either have actual star potential though, most likely 3rd best on a title team, which is still a very good player.

This.

[HornetJail]

Monroe is your average starting big man and that's about it. He can score and rebound, but can't defend, and is a little short to play center. Kawhi has all the tools to be elite in the right system (like the one he's in).


Eventually, I see Detroit trading Monroe once they realize Smith can't play SF. He's going to be the odd man out.

[KF10]

Weird comparison. Both are different players via position played.

But that said, I take Monroe.

His career PER36 is:

16/10/3/1.5/1 @ 51% FG 69% FT

Leonard's PER36:

14/7/2/2/0.6 @ 49% FG 37% 3PT 80% FT

I take a Dbl-dbl big with passing abilities over a defensive 3PT role player, albeit a very good one.

[Left*My*Heart]

Kawhi Leonard is much more valuable for a few reasons.

1) Defense. Leonard is the superior defender and it's not even close.
2) Scarcity of skill set. Players who can defend, shoot, and score efficiently are hard to come by in the NBA. Leonard can also rebound at an elite level.
3) Style of play. Monroe needs the ball to score and cannot create for others. Leonard plays off the ball, scores off of cuts, and can still score off the dribble.

Nice breakdown.

Leonard's ability to play both ends of the court and his ability to make those around him better with his unselfish play, makes him the more valuable asset.